Second Hand Knoll Armchairs: Barcelona, Wassily and Diamond

Second Hand Knoll Armchairs: the designs that shaped the catalogue

Knoll International did not invent the seating of classical modernism, it kept it in production. The Barcelona by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the Wassily by Marcel Breuer and Harry Bertoia's Diamond Chair have been in the range for decades, and all three are here second hand, alongside the Womb Chair by Eero Saarinen, the New Weissenhof Chair by Robert and Trix Haussmann and a chaise longue by Richard Schultz.

What separates an original Knoll armchair from a copy?

On the Barcelona it is the way the leather panels are worked and the shape of the flat steel frame, on the Wassily the joint between tubular steel and webbing. Originals carry a mark on the frame. For every piece here the product page states what we know about provenance and condition, and what we do not.

Which room suits these armchairs?

The Barcelona needs space around it, in a crowded room it looks hemmed in. The Wassily and the Diamond are visually lighter and work in smaller rooms too. All of them are solitary pieces: one per room is enough.

Buying used Knoll armchairs: the designs at a glance

  • Knoll armchairs from second hand are mostly pieces with a history, designs of the twenties to the sixties that have been produced unchanged for decades and are therefore still recognisable as what they are after forty years of use.

    The designs

    • Barcelona by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, designed in 1929 for the German Pavilion in Barcelona
    • Wassily by Marcel Breuer, made in 1925 at the Bauhaus in Dessau
    • Diamond Chair by Harry Bertoia, 1952, from bent steel wire
    • Womb Chair by Eero Saarinen, the softly upholstered counterpoint to tubular steel
    • The New Weissenhof Chair by Robert and Trix Haussmann

    A used classic is a classic

    These designs are still built today, the original from 1975 barely differs in construction from a piece made this year. Buying used means giving up nothing except first use.

    More from Knoll

    Alongside the armchairs you will find the complete Knoll selection and the lounge chairs of every brand.

Frequently asked questions and answers

How do I recognise an original Knoll armchair?

Originals carry a mark on the frame, and on the Barcelona it also shows in the frame shape and the way the leather is worked. What we know about provenance and condition is on every product page.

Is Walter Knoll the same as Knoll International?

No. Walter Knoll is an independent German company. This page holds Knoll International only. Walter Knoll has its own selection with us.

Are signs of use normal on these armchairs?

On leather and chrome from several decades, yes. We describe condition and signs of use before purchase so you know what you are getting into.

Can I sell my own Knoll armchair through you?

Yes. The process is explained on our page Sell with us.

What determines the price?

Design, upholstery, condition and provenance. A Barcelona in well kept leather sits well above a Wassily with replaced webbing. The range on this page is correspondingly wide.

How are pieces this large delivered?

Every armchair is available. Shipping costs depend on destination and size and are calculated at checkout.

Can I view an armchair before buying?

That depends on the individual piece. Write to us via Help and contact with the link to the product and we will ask the seller.

What goes with a Knoll armchair?

A coffee table with a quiet form and a rug that frames the seating group. More designs in the design classics.

  • curation, selection and active search

    Every product you find on 2nd home comes from our curation and quality process . This includes our Knoll armchairs - from new to used and vintage.

    Our team is constantly looking for trends and new items to offer you high-quality vintage and second-hand goods and plenty of inspiration.

    And if you are looking for something specific, you can contact us at any time.

  • Delivery

    At 2nd home you buy what already exists: our furniture , carpets , lights and decorative objects are available and ready to ship, with no production lead time as with new furniture. Another advantage when you buy vintage and second hand.

    For more information about shipping and delivery , see Returns & Refunds .

  • service

    At 2nd home we place great importance on quality and customer satisfaction. Sellers are selected by 2nd home, and every piece is described with its condition, dimensions and photos.

    If you have any questions, our customer service will help you You can find further information about our buyer protection, legal guarantee and right of return in our cancellation policy .

  • Pre-owned instead of new

    Every piece has already been made and stays in use; there is no new production.

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